Jason Keehfus delivers the closing argument on behalf of R.J. Reynolds in Elizabeth Smith's suit against Reynolds and Philip Morris. Jurors Monday found her claimed smoking-related diseases did not develop within the time allowed for membership in a class action against the companies. 

West Palm Beach, FL—A jury Monday concluded a Florida woman did not have cancer or respiratory disease within the time required for membership in a class action against the nation’s tobacco companies, clearing Philip Morris and R.J. Reynolds of liability in her suit. Smith v. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., et al., 2007-CA-023930.

Decatur, GA—Attorneys Wednesday sparred over responsibility for the strokes that caused lifelong brain damage to a Georgia woman, as trial opened in her husband’s suit against the emergency room staff that treated her. Evans v. Sutton, et al, 13A48465-4.

Decatur, GA—Trial is scheduled to begin next week in a suit by a man who claims a Conyers hospital’s medical staff failed to properly treat his wife’s aneurysm in time to prevent a series of strokes that caused her life-long brain damage. Evans v. Sutton, et al, 13A48465-4.

Dr. Allan Goldman tells jurors he is "sure" Elizabeth Smith had lung cancer before November 21, 1996, the bar date for her claim against two tobacco companies and more than a year before doctors diagnosed her with the disease. 

West Palm Beach, FL—A pulmonologist told jurors Friday he was certain a Florida smoker had lung cancer within the time frame allowed to bring her claim against two tobacco companies, and which closed more than a year before doctors diagnosed her with the disease. Smith v. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., et al., 2007-CA-023930.

The trial: Mary Fellers v. Just People Inc.

The turning point: A security video showing Hunter Fellers, a mentally disabled adult who suffered from seizures, underwater for six minutes at an unsupervised pool party organized by Just People Inc., an organization that assists people with mental disabilities.

The result: A $2.022 million verdict for the plaintiff, Mary Fellers.